Baguio Solid Waste Management Committee told to execute functions

City officials urged the Baguio Solid Waste Management Committee to intensify the execution of its functions and responsibilities pursuant to Department of Environment and Natural Resources DENR) Administrative Order No. 2001-34 or the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act (RA) 9003 otherwise known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.

Under Resolution No. 006, series of 2023, local legislators stated there is a need to strengthen the Baguio Solid Waste Management Committee whose function is crucial in the solid waste management efforts and programs of the city.

In 2006, Administrative Order No. 173, series of 2006, was issued by then Mayor Reinaldo A. Bautista, Jr. for the creation of barangay clusters to ensure systematic and sustainable proper management of the city’s solid wastes.

RA 9003 provided the necessary policy framework, institutional mechanisms and incentives, and mandate to the local government units pursuant to the policy of the State to adopt a systematic, comprehensive and ecological management program.

Pursuant to Section 59 of the said law, the DENR issued Administrative Order No. 2001-34 which adopted and promulgated the implementing rules and regulations of the same.

These implementing rules and regulations provide for the creation of the Barangay Solid Waste Management Committee composed of the barangay captain as chairperson and the barangay kagawad in charge for environmental protection, Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) chairperson, president of homeowners association, public or private school principals or representatives, Parents-Teachers Association (PTA) president or representative, religious organization representative, business community representative, environmental non-government organization representative, president of the market vendors association and representative from junk shop owners association as members.

Among the functions and responsibilities of the Barangay Solid Waste Management Committee include the formulation of solid waste management program anchored on their waste analysis and characterization study; oversee the segregation and collection of biodegradable, compostable, reusable wastes; establish a materials recovery facility when feasible or a materials recovery system; allocation barangay funds and look for sources of funds for the continuous implementation of programs in line with RA 9003; organize core coordinators and coordinate all activities and submit monthly reports to the City General Services Office.

In compliance with the said mandate, the council claims that the barangays have constituted their respective Barangay Solid Waste Management Committee but their functions and responsibilities have not been fully complied with as per monitoring report.

The council claims that the city government takes cognizance of the role of the barangays in the implementation of its mandate of segregation at source and the establishment of materials recovery facilities in every barangay or cluster of barangays. – Dexter A. See